Film-like Progressive Recording 24p/30p
In addition to 1080/60i recording, the HDR-AX2000 offers a 1080/24p and 1080/30p Progressive Scan mode that enables shooting with film-like results. Signals scanned at 24p/30p are converted to 60i (using 2-3 pulldown for 24p) and recorded on MemoryStick PRO Duo media.
Up to 24Mbps AVCHD video
The HDR-AX2000 can capture video at up to 24Mbps for amazing clarity and detail, ideal for recording on to Blu-ray media since the AVCHD2 codec is highly compatible with the Blu-ray format.
Superior low-light (1.5 LUX) shooting capabilities
Superior low-light ability with high sensitivity enables clear shooting of subjects in light as low as 1.5 lux (at 1/30 fixed shutter speed with auto iris and auto gain). This allows you to capture sharp detail and brilliant colors even in less than perfect lighting, especially when professional lighting cannot be used.
3x 1/3" Exmor 3CMOS Sensors
The HDR-AX2000 features three 1/3" Exmor 3CMOS Sensors , each having 1,120K total pixels. The 3 independent CMOS sensors each handle one of the color elements ? red, green, blue (RGB) ? improving the color reproduction of video recordings. Dark scenes can be captured with low noise thanks to Exmor technology that features a new column A/D converter and dual noise reduction. Sensor resolution has been optimized and the photosensitive surface area has been maximized thanks to the unique grid arrangement of the photo diode sensors, in which each is rotated by 45 degrees. This model also features the signal processing circuit, the Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP) which uses Sony's unique image-processing technology.
Dual XLR Professional Audio Inputs
Professional quality video requires professional quality audio. Featuring dual XLR 3-pin audio jacks, you will be able to provide +48V phantom power to external microphones. Additionally, the grounded connection allows insertion/removal of connectors in live equipment without picking up external signals.
Wide Angle G-Lens: 29.5mm Wide to 590mm (20x) Telephoto
The HDR-AX2000 is equipped with a 29.5mm wide-angle "G Lens" made from advanced 10 group, 15 element lens including "Extra-low Dispersion glass" which reduces chromatic aberration caused by light refraction, and produces video with extremely low color fringing. Designed for shooting situations ranging from broad landscape shots to conditions where sufficient distance from the subject is difficult to obtain. The 20x optical zoom (29.5mm-590mm: 35mm conversion) lets you zoom in to the subjects you can't get close to. The optical zoom takes maximum advantage of the lens performance, so image quality does not suffer even at a zoom ratio of 20x, allowing you to faithfully reproduce the subject's impact. The digital extender increases zoom by 1.5 throughout the range up to 30x at full zoom.
Optical SteadyShot image stabilization w/ Active Mode
Optical SteadyShot image stabilization with Active Mode improves on existing Optical SteadyShot image stabilization by allowing the camera lens to shift over a greater range of motion allowing the camera to compensate for greater degrees of camera shake and deliver a stunning level of image smoothness.
CinemaTone Gamma and CinemaTone Color control
For extra control over image expression, Cinematone Gamma technology is used to deepen the color and Cinematone Color to recreate film-like color tones. Cinematone Gamma also allows operators to quickly set up and load a gamma curve with similar contrast characteristics to a film gamma curve.
3x built-in neutral density (ND) filters
Gain more color control in extreme settings with three built-in ND filters for adjusting the amount of light entering the Image Sensor through the lens. Depending on shooting conditions, the operator can chose from Clear, 1/4, 1/16, or 1/64 filters. In strong, glaring sunlight these filters give users more flexibility in choosing the shutter speed and aperture for superior creative control.
3x manual rings for superior control: zoom, focus, and iris
The HDR-AX2000 has three independent manual rings (zoom, focus, and IRIS ) for superior control and flexibility while filming which make it easier to promptly make adjustments to meet shooting needs. The IRIS ring allows you to adjust the aperture to attain optimal brightness and express beautiful depth of field shots, highlighting a subject while blurring a foreground or background. Exposure can also be assigned to the IRIS ring enabling the camera to automatically select the optimal iris, gain or shutter speed, seamlessly enabling adjustment of exposure.
3.2" Xtra Fine LCD display (921k pixels)
The 3.2" Wide (16:9) Touch Panel Xtra Fine LCD screen displays sharp, bright, vivid images, letting you compose a shot more easily -- even outdoors, while enabling you to change settings to best represent the scene. With 921K pixels resolution and a wide viewing angle, the XtraFine LCD screen is like having a HDTV built into your camcorder.
Enhanced Imaging Processor (EIP) Technology
The EIP processor is able to rapidly process the vast amounts of pixel data read from the "3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor", and record beautiful HD and colorful video. The ClearVid CMOS Sensor has been developed using the most advanced technologies in the semiconductor industry. It handles video data in 1920 x 1080p and 4:2:2 color space for high-quality signal processing before recording it to MemoryStick PRO Duo media. Combined use of the EIP and 3 ClearVid CMOS Sensor imaging system allows the HDR-AX2000 camcorder to provide extremely high image quality with a smooth gradation and detailed image reproduction.
Manual Gain/Shutter/White Balance Adjustment
The ability to manually adjust gain, shutter speed, and white balance makes it possible to fine-tune the HDR-AX2000 model?s settings for near-professional operability and advanced image expression.
Minus Auto Gain Control (Minus AGC)
When shooting in overly bright conditions, this feature enables the selection of gain settings in the negative range for satisfying results with minimal noise.
Assignable Buttons
This feature allows you to assign features you use often to shortcut buttons. The commonly used features can be used quickly without going through a menu selection (default: Zebra, AE Shift, and Record Review). Features that can be assigned: Extended Focus / Digital Extender (30x) / Ring Rotate/ AE Shift / Index Mark / SteadyShot / Back Light / Spotlight / Fader / Smooth Slow Rec / Color Bar / Rec Review / End Search / Zebra / Marker / Peaking / Pict. Profile / Shot Transition.
Additional record and zoom lever control on handle
A record start/stop button is featured on the handle as well as on the side grip. The zoom lever enables easy zooming even when shooting from a low angle.
Improved Noise Reduction (w/ Exmor col. A/D conversion)
Exmor technology captures video with high resolution, high sensitivity, and exceptional detail. Advanced on-sensor A/D conversion and dual noise reduction yields rich tonal reproduction with high signal-to-noise ratio.
0.45"Xtra Fine View Finder
This camcorder features a high-resolution 0.45" Xtra Fine (1,227K pixels) View Finder1 that offers extra clear visibility.
HDMI Connection
HDMI connectivity provides a simple, high-quality video and audio connection, with the ability to transmit HD video from the camcorder to compatible HDTVs via a single cable.
Dual Media Slots
Capture still images directly onto one of two selectable Memory Stick PRO Duo media or SD/SDHC/SDXC mediaslots for easy transfer to PCs for emailing, printing, or sharing with other compatible devices (sold separately).
Multi-Language Menu
Change the menu display from English to English (Simplified), Canadian French, Latin American Spanish, or Brazilian Portuguese
Picture Profile (up to 6)
Allows the user to set manual adjustments for a scene (color, sharpness, white balance, etc) into any one of 6 customizable presets, so they can be called up at just the touch of a button. This is useful when shooting under the same conditions repeatedly, as options do not have to be re-set each time. 4 settings for various shooting conditions are offered as defaults ? portrait/ cinema/ sunset/ monotone.
x.v. Color Technology
x.v.Color technology can capture or display nearly twice as many (1.8x) viewable colors than possible with the traditional RGB color standard. This provides a more accurate and vivid color range, for a more natural, lifelike overall experience.
Zebra display
While you are shooting, you can add a striped pattern to bright areas of the video image, and display it in the LCD and viewfinder. You can use this as a rough guide for adjusting brightness, helping to prevent blocked highlights.
Peaking
This feature emphasizes the screen's edge in the LCD and viewfinder, making it easier to adjust the focus. You can change the peaking colour to white, red, or yellow according to the color of the subject, and you can also set the peaking level to high, medium, or low. This feature is handy when shooting with manual focus, because it makes it easy to tell where the focus is currently.
Centre Marker/Guide-frame
The LCD and viewfinder feature a Centre Marker that lets users identify the centre of the screen at a glance. Users can also display a Guide-frame grid on the screen that simplifies the vertical and horizontal alignment of shots.
Color Bar
Four types of Color Bars are available for use. These are convenient for color adjustment when playing back images on a TV or monitor.
Fader
To enhance viewing enjoyment, users can create transitions between scenes by using the White fader or Black fader to fade images in and out.
